Abstract: Vortex keratopathy, also reffered to as cornea verticillata, is a condition in which
deposits develop in the cornea in a whorl-like pattern due to systemic disease or use of various
medications. Conditions such as Fabry disease, multiple myeloma, Lisch corneal dystrophy and
others may present with corneal deposits in a typical swirling pattern. More commonly vortex
keratopathy is caused by prolonged use of various systemic or topical drugs such as
amiodarone, hydroxychloroquine, ciprofloxacin and others. The underlying mechanism for this
is the interaction of the drug molecules with corneal cellular structures and the formation of
insoluble and enzymatically non-degradable products that accumulate in the individual layers
of the cornea. Vortex keratopathy is often asymptomatic or only causes mild visual
disturbances. Although the presence of corneal deposits is not an indication for a change in
medication regimen, stopping the causative agent or replacing it with another leads to a
reduction in the severity of the keratopathy and a clearing of the cornea.
Keywords: drug-induced vortex keratopathy, cornea verticillata, corneal deposits, therapeutic
approaches

Download full text as PDF file